Hi,

being a noob to the scooby world wots the diff between a 2000 Turbo and a WRX? I am driving an Alfa156 at the moment and get blown away by a MY01 2000 Turbo wagon (not surprising, my 2.0TS alfa is only 155bhp). But mid jan im getting a MY04 WRX wagon and wonder how that will compare to the 2000 turbo?

cheers

"Turbo 2000 AWD" is the official name given to the UK market older shape turbocharged Imprezas (i.e. model year 2000 and earlier). When the new shape car was introduced, Subaru UK started to sell them as WRX's.

Asking how an older shape UK Impreza compares with a new shape UK car is a bit like asking how a mature cheddar cheese compares with a mild cheddar. They're similar, but there are subtle differences, and in any case, a lot depends on whether the older car you're talking about is modified in any way.

In general, the older cars tend to be a bit quicker given a similar level (or lack of) modification, but the newer cars have better quality interiors and are generally more refined.

They're very similar in terms of overall performance however. If someone in a relatively standard old shape car shows you a clean pair of heels on the road, it'll mainly due to he/she being a better driver, or being content to take greater risks.

ok - but this 2000 turbo i see (albeit from the back!) is a 51 plate and looks like the 'new' model - but definately does not have WRX on the back? So it will still be 225bhp etc?

If you're absolutely sure it's a bugeye, it will be a WRX. If it happens to have a "Turbo 2000" (or whatever) badge on the back, it's because the owner has been doing a bit of customisation.

No, the bugeye WRXes have 215bhp as standard, and a more restrictive exhaust system than is fitted to the MY03 and onward cars.

oh ok - thats raises another question then! wot does 'bugeye' cover? is that all non-classic versions or just early new models? i think the latest are called impreza III. like i said im a noob to the scooby world - but cant _wait_ to get my new one! forget xmas, i'm counting the days down til 16th jan!! :-)

"Bugeye" was the none-too flattering nickname that the new shape car quickly attracted when it was released. This shape was in production through the 2001 and 2002 model years.

The unpopularity and relatively poor sales of this version of the car compared with its predecessor resulted in panic at Subaru, and a quick makeover, with cosmetic changes designed to freshen the car's looks, along with subtle engine and exhaust modifications to boost power a little, and some weight reduction in an attempt to reduce the bugeye's girth.

The facelifted car was brought in for the 2003 model year. It's this version of the car that is marketed as the "Impreza III" in the UK, and is often referred to here as the "blobeye", for obvious reasons. :)

There are a few late registered 51 plate classics about. There are also quite a few 51 plated P1's running around

Yep, tis true. Was thinking of this as the likeliest explanation myself, but Buzz seems certain it was a new shape car...

Some weight reduction? I don't believe a blobeye is any lighter than a bugeye?

Main difference seems to be that the bugeye had an extra catalyst in the up-pipe (before the turbo), whilst most people tell you that the blobeye doesn't, and there are subtle tweaks to the blobeye engine management. Whilst power has only gone up to 222bhp (225PS), the performance gains are noticeable. However, modify them both (new exhaust and ECU), and they'll give almost identical figures.

my03 is 10kgs heavier but has a slightly different 'zorst

did it look like this at the back ?

http://www.btinternet.com/~c.pinnock/ms9.jpg

and front


http://www.btinternet.com/~c.pinnock/ms5.jpg

chrisp i think it was a wagon he saw so i would look a little different

LOL doh! didnt see the wagon bit, but the front should be similar ;)

'blobeye'? yikes am i gonna pay all that company car tax on a car called a 'blobeye' :-( and i thought bugeye sounded bad... ah well 0-60 in under 6 should keep my smiling!

yeah this wagon that murders my current Alfa156 is a 'bugeye' [see how i know the terms now ;-)] but not a WRX - i came up behind him at a roundabout - only way i could get close! could be an import?

neways, still cant wait to drive my 'blobeye'...

cheers!

Maybe not a Turbo?!

Under six is fun but under five is funnier ;) :D